NFL Relaxes Celebration Rules; Some Celebrations Still Penalized

New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

The NFL has announced that it will relax the rules governing penalties for excessive celebrations, allowing some behaviors that had been prohibited before, while keeping penalties for some types of celebrating in place.

Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement about the changes, saying he understood that players and fans wanted more celebrations to be allowed, ESPN reported. Rule changes include being allowed to use the ball as a prop, celebrate on the ground, such as making snow angels, and celebrate in groups.

Celebrations that include offensive gestures like twerking, those that delay the game, and those aimed at an opponent will still incur penalties, ESPN reported. Goodell said he spoke to more than 80 current and former players in deciding how to change the celebration rules, CBS News reported.

Some fans and media had criticized the previous, stricter rules, calling the NFL the "No Fun League" for giving 15 yard penalties and even fines in the thousands of dollars to players whose celebrations violated rules, CBS News reported.

The changes are in line with other rule changes the NFL is making to speed up the pace of the game and make it more exciting for fans, CBS News said. Overtime periods will be shortened to 10 minutes except for playoff games and more players will be allowed to remain on the roster during preseason, Fox Sports reported.

While a few Twitter users resisted the changes, most expressed approval.

The NFL has announced that it will relax the rules governing penalties for excessive celebrations, allowing some behaviors that had been prohibited before, while keeping penalties for some types of celebrating in place.